Veterinary Assistant - Critical Care

Brief Media, Inc.; Golden Valley (MN); On-site; USD 27,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

BluePearl Pet Hospital in Golden Valley, MN seeks a knowledgeable Veterinary Assistant to join their Critical Care department. The role supports veterinarians and technicians with patient care, procedures, and client communication in a fast-paced critical care environment.

The schedule is full-time (approximately 37 hours per week) with weekdays and weekends, including every Friday, plus a rotating weekend schedule.

Qualifications

• 2 years of veterinary assistant experience required.
• Emergency and/or ICU experience preferred.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced critical care environment.
• Strong communication and client-relations skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians during examinations, diagnostics, and treatments.
• Provide patient restraint to ensure safety during procedures.
• Assist with critical care and hospitalized patient treatment.
• Prepare and administer medications as directed.
• Support humane euthanasia procedures.
• Manage client communications and discharge instructions.

Skills

Vet assistant exp

Emergency/ICU exp

Communication skills

Compassionate care

Job description

BluePearl Pet Hospital in Golden Valley, MN is seeking a knowledgeable and skilled Veterinary Assistant to join their Critical Care department.

Position Summary

The Critical Care Assistant supports veterinarians and veterinary technicians by providing high-quality patient care, procedural assistance, and client communication in a fast-paced critical care environment. This role requires strong clinical support skills, emotional intelligence, attention to detail, and the ability to assist with sensitive procedures, including euthanasia.

Schedule

• Full-time: Approximately 37 hours per week (plus scheduled breaks)
• Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• Weekends: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Every Friday required
• Rotating weekend schedule aligned with the attending doctor's rotation
• During low patient census, coverage in the ICU or other hospital departments is required

Pay Range : $19.35 - $25.70/hour

*This pay band is dependent on local veterinary licensing, experience, and advancement through our competency assessment tool.

Competitive Shift Differentials

• Weekday Night (Mon-Thu 6p to 8a): $3.50
• Weekend Day (Fri -Sun 8a to 6p): $3.50
• Weekend Night (Fri-Sun 6p to 8a): $5.00

Primary Responsibilities

Clinical & Patient Care

• Assist veterinarians during examinations, diagnostics, and treatments
• Provide patient restraint to ensure safety during procedures
• Assist with critical care and hospitalized patient treatment
• Prepare and administer medications as directed
• Support and facilitate humane euthanasia procedures
• Assist with patient discharge instructions and care transitions
• Perform in-clinic laboratory diagnostics
• Prepare and package samples for outside laboratory submission
• Set up and assist with medical and diagnostic procedures

Client Communication & Financial Coordination

• Schedule and manage patient appointments
• Generate treatment plans and care cost estimates
• Conduct financial discussions with clients professionally and compassionately
• Assist clients with financial grant applications(BluePearl Cares and Hope Funds)
• Maintain accurate documentation of all client communications
• Manage and update patient invoices

Medical Records & Documentation

• Maintain accurate and complete medical records
• Ensure proper documentation of procedures, treatments, and communications
• Support compliance with hospital protocols and regulatory standards

Hospital Support & Operations

• Maintain cleanliness of treatment and ICU areas
• Perform hospital laundry duties and restocking of medical supplies
• Complete daily checklists and routine maintenance tasksAssist other departments as needed during downtime

Qualifications & Skills

• 2 years of veterinary assistant experience required, Emergency and/or ICU experience preferred
• Comfort working in a critical care or emergency setting
• Ability to handle emotional and high-stress situations with professionalism
• Strong communication, organization, and multitasking skills
• Compassionate approach to patient and client care
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments

Work Towards

• Advanced skills such as performing phlebotomy, IV catheter placement, urinary catheter placement, NG tube placement, and more
• Administering medication via all routes
• Becoming proficient in hands-free radiology
• Becoming proficient in laboratory equipment
• Career leveling, including becoming a certified or non-certified technician

Why BluePearl?

• Pet Passion: Enjoy Trupanion pet insurance and discounts for medical care at BluePearl.
• Growth Opportunities: Advance your skills with our talent development programs and leadership workshops. As a member of Mars Veterinary Health, our associates have endless opportunities to advance in their careers.
• Continuing Education: Benefit from annual CE allowances, free training sessions, and a free VETgirl Elite membership. Penn Foster Scholarship reimbursement of 90% for full-time associates.
• Career Advancement: Explore roles in our specialty departments (Emergency/ICU, Ophthalmology, Surgery, Neurology, Internal Medicine, and Radiology) and enjoy financial support for VTS credentials.
• Supportive Environment: Access mental health resources, flexible schedules, and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

Benefits Include

• Bi-annual merit increase opportunities
• Paid time off and floating holidays
• 401k and retirement planning
• Parental leave benefits
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options.
• Local and regional Mental Health and Wellness benefits (a few of many examples include 12 free therapy sessions annually, and access to regional social work)
• Free VETgirl Elite membership and continuing education
• Opportunities for volunteerism and professional development (examples include coral reef restoration and Animal Humane Society volunteer initiatives in Arizona and Hawaii).
• Uniform Allowance
• MARS discounts - M&Ms, KIND Snacks, & T-Mobile are just some!

BluePearl Pet Hospital - Where your passion for pets meets endless career possibilities.

Transform your career and make a real difference!

We promote a collaborative culture in our hospitals. We believe in working together to lead the industry by enriching lives through remarkable care for pets and our team.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or sponsorship transfer. Applicants must possess unrestricted, current authorization to work in the U.S. and not require future sponsorship for an employment-based green card.

BluePearl is committed to a diverse work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We are an equal opportunity employer and you will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace.